n. & v.
n. 1 the tough protective outer sheath of the trunks, branches, and twigs of trees or woody shrubs. 2 this material used for tanning leather or dyeing material.
v.tr. 1 graze or scrape (one's shin etc.). 2 strip bark from (a tree etc.). 3 tan or dye (leather etc.) using the tannins found in bark.
[ ME f. OIcel. börkr bark-: perh. rel. to BIRCH ]